By Steve Schwarz - To be a Fantasy Rookie of the Year, or for that matter the official NBA Rookie of the Year, you need two things - talent and the opportunity to show it off.

Milwaukee rookie point guard Brandon Jennings has both.

Jennings took an unconventional route in getting to the NBA. Instead of college (likely Arizona), the Los Angeles, CA native opted for Europe for a season. Despite the lack of college experience, the Bucks made him the 10th overall pick in this year's draft and he's paying off handsomely.

First, Jennings beat out incumbent Luke Ridnour. Normally that would be a shocker, a rookie edging out a veteran for a leadership position like point guard, but coach Scott Skiles has always been non-conformist.

Jennings rewarded his coach's decision in the season opener by posting 17 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Unfortunately, Milwaukee lost that game to Philadelphia, but on Saturday night he led the Bucks to a 96-85 victory over Detroit. In the game Jennings scored 24 points on 9-for-15 shooting, adding three assists, two rebounds and three steals.

Though the team has played just two games, Jennings is averaging 20.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 6.0 apg. In 2008, a line like that would have a name like Vince Carter or Stephen Jackson next to it. Those two players had 2009 ADP's of 27 and 50, respectively.

Currently, Jennings is owned in just 67% of all leagues, meaning you might still be able to pick the 20-year-old up as a free agent. If you are in a keeper league, it's a must.



Kaman off to fast start

Philadelphia, PA - If you look at the early leaders at the center position, you may be in for a shock. No Pau Gasol, no Al Jefferson, Tim Duncan or even Dwight Howard. In my league the top-five centers are a strange conglomerate - Chris Kaman, Channing Frye, Marcus Camby, Andray Blatche and Marc Gasol!

Only Camby was selected in the first eight rounds on Draft Day. Of course, we are only about four games into an 82-game schedule, but the early results are shocking.

Topping the list is Kaman, the starting center on the "other" Los Angeles team.

Kaman had a huge game on Saturday night, scoring 27 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. For the Central Michigan alum, it's all about staying healthy. In 2007-08 the sixth overall pick of the 2003 draft was on his way to a breakthrough season averaging over 18 points and 14 rebounds a game for the first two months of the season when he began suffering a variety of ailments which kept him off the floor.

He played just 56 games that season and last year played only 31 games, so it was no surprise when he was selected late in this year's draft (ADP 88). To date, Kaman is averaging 22.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg and 1.5 apg.

As long as he stays healthy, he can produce at a very high level. The problem is his ability to play the entire season. If you already own him, now might be the perfect time to deal him while his value is at its peak. If you are looking to trade for the Clippers' center...caveat emptor...let the buyer beware.


Steve Schwarz is the Fantasy Sports Editor of Sports Network